Jodi Arias' attempt to be spared from the death penalty denied by Arizona judge

A judge denied a motion from Jodi Arias' defense team this week to have the death penalty removed as a sentencing option for the woman whose murder trial became an international sensation.

Arias' attorneys argued that banning a defense aide from making jail visits last March affected the aide's relationship with the entire defense team and her ability to prepare for Arias' new punishment trial in September.

Maricopa County sheriff's officials say mitigation specialist Maria De La Rosa was banned for a week after she took a drawing by Arias out of the jail.

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